RVDA, RVIA OK New ‘Career Ladder’ for Techs

With an eye toward increasing the number of technicians eligible to participate in the RVDA-RVIA RV Technician Certification Program, both the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) boards approved a new “career ladder” proposed by the program’s governing board and recommended by the RV Service Training Council (RVSTC). Both boards met separately in Washington, D.C. last week.

According to a press release, the career ladder begins by allowing new and novice technicians to test as a trainee, then as a registered technician as they start their journey toward certification. The program will then certify technicians in five specialties that will be eligible for certification through the RV Technician Certification Program, including plumbing, appliances, electrical systems, chassis and body.

When fully implemented, each specialty will be tested and awarded certification. Technicians who successfully complete testing in all specialties will be designated as Master Certified Technicians.

The RV Technician Certification Program will continue offering the current certification test, which is a comprehensive measurement of all the specialty areas.

“This new career ladder recognizes that there are specialists working in many RV service departments,” says RVDA Chairman Tim O’Brien. “Now these specialists will be able to attain industry certification and recognition while the program continues to offer a comprehensive certification for technicians who work in all of these areas.”

“This is a tremendous step forward for the certification program,” said RVIA Chairman Gregg Fore. “It is strongly supported by the industry, it will boost confidence in the certification process, and, it provides technicians with a comprehensive, designated path to certification.”

The RVDA-RVIA Technician Certification Governing Board is working on tests for the five specialties, which are tentatively scheduled to be implemented in October.

Comments

2 Responses to “RVDA, RVIA OK New ‘Career Ladder’ for Techs”

Steve Savage on
June 14th, 2011 3:43 pm

It is nice to see discussion is taking place regarding a career path for technicians, however, I still think it would be terrific if someone asked technicians for input. I also strongly believe that regardless of what we are called, technicians deserve continuing education pathway that goes beyond Troubleshooters and an occasional goodwill factory visit.

The single fact that seems to fly under the radar is no matter how many badges you pin on me, I still have to be able to fix the things on which I work. That means training. Until real training is available, certification is just a “dog and pony” show. The better job we all do meeting the customers needs, the more work and sales there are for all of us.

So hats off to the start, now make it real.

Steve
Mobility RV Service
Bristol, TN.

bb on
June 14th, 2011 6:37 pm

This is not a career ladder. A career ladder provides for positional progression in addition to the training and certification progression.

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